Migratory birds and tourists flock to Leamington in southern Ontario. The lakefront environment makes it a popular destination for human and feathered travelers. Located on the 42nd parallel at the southern edge of Canada, the town and its surrounding parks abound with a biodiversity that makes it a bird-watcher’s delight. Visit Leamington in winter to view snow-swept trees and beaches without unbearable freezing conditions.
Get the pure distillation of the Leamington experience in Point Pelee National Park, which contains a remarkable biodiversity, from thick forest to wetland to grassy plains. Follow the boardwalk onto one of the Great Lakes’ largest remaining freshwater marshes, dotted with herons and other wading birds. Learn about the region’s natural history at the Pelee Island Heritage Centre. Bring a pair of binoculars to view birds in the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area or a sketchbook to capture the huge number of tree species in the Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area.
In town, cool off during the summer at Seacliff Park’s Tomato Splash Pad and its nearby beach. See local art at the Leamington Arts Centre, which has three exhibition spaces. Attend a performance at the Bank Theatre, located in a 19th-century bank building, or sway along to concerts at the Leamington Amphitheatre.
Leamington is sandwiched between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Its closest major city is Detroit, Michigan, about a 1-hour drive away. Windsor, the Canadian city located just across the Detroit River, also has an international airport, which flies to destinations in Canada and the United States. Drive from Toronto or Niagara Falls in 3.5 hours. A small bus service passes through the town’s main destinations, but a personal vehicle is best to fully appreciate the local attractions.
The town is in one of Canada’s favorite wine-growing areas. Stop at Pelee Island Winery for a taste of the region’s vintages.
